CRIME: A dozen arrests at sobriety checkpoints

Suspected drunken drivers who struck an police officer and a parked car at an Escondido DUI checkpoint were among 12 people arrested at sobriety checkpoints held throughout North County on Saturday night, authorities said Sunday.

Police officers and sheriff's deputies held checkpoints in Escondido, Vista and Poway, arresting nine suspected drunken drivers, impounding 22 vehicles and issuing 68 citations, according to statements from Escondido police and San Diego County sheriff's officials.

In Escondido, officers set up a checkpoint at Valley Parkway and North Juniper Street.

They arrested five suspected drunken drivers, a passenger suspected of being drunk in public and an illegal immigrant who had a reckless-driving warrant out for his arrest, police said. Officers also issued 23 citations and towed nine vehicles.

In Vista, sheriff's deputies set up a checkpoint in the 1300 block of North Melrose Drive. They arrested four suspected drunken drivers and a passenger suspected of being under the influence of drugs. They also towed 11 vehicles and issued 42 citations.

In Poway, sheriff's deputies set up a checkpoint in the 14300 block of Pomerado Road. They made no arrests, issued three citations and towed two vehicles.